Repeating the cycle (or fearing to)
“…I’m afraid to [be a] parent because I don’t want to ‘mess up’ my kid.”
The cycle of abuse can be difficult to break. People may swear to never act like their abusers, but abuse is all they learned from a young age. Adults may repeat toxic behavior without realizing it since their unhealthy coping mechanisms may cause emotional distress to others. For example, they may use the silent treatment instead of talking out problems, acting without considering other people, avoiding showing affection, feeling unable to comfort others, etc.
